Tasty recipes from chef Ronit Penso's kitchen

Lemon Sole with Cherry Tomatoes pan sauce

As much as we all love to cook, sometimes we just want to go into the kitchen and make a very quick, yet fresh and delicious meal, in no time.
This dish is exactly that. It is extremely easy to make and will brighten your day with its’ bright colors and Mediterranean flavors.
Although I’ve used fresh Lemon Sole here, any other firm flat fish fillet can be used instead. In case you do choose to use Lemon Sole, you will probably find it interesting to know that Lemon Sole is not a member of the Sole family, and its flavor or color have nothing to do with lemon!
I will not bore you with the lengthy explanation I read about the name’s origins, but I will tell you it is a very tasty and firm fish and it is highly recommended for such a short preparation. Try it and enjoy.

1. Cut the Lemon Sole fillets in half, lengthwise. Pat dry and coat the fillets in the flour. Shake off extra flour and sprinkle with salt.
2. Combine the butter and olive oil in a large pan and heat over medium-high heat, until the butter begins to foam.
3. Add the fish fillets and fry gently for about 2 minutes on each side, until the fillets are pale golden. Transfer to a warm plate and keep in a warm place.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan and mix gently with a rubber spatula, to create a pan sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the tomatoes are warm but still keep their shape.
Taste and add salt, pepper or lemon juice, if needed. Pour on the fish and serve immediately.

No, I didn’t, as I couldn’t find the fresh sardines, but it doesn’t require a recipe actually.
Maybe you know the dish yourself.
You need fresh sardines, open flat and boned. You then put stuffing on one fillet, skin side down, and cover with another open sardine, skin side up. You then flour and egg the whole thing and fry it gently on both sides.

My aunt used to make it, but this time I had it at a restaurant, and they used fish roe (the eggs) in the stuffing, which also had chopped herbs. It was all served with lemon garlic sauce and was delicious.

Here is a link to a photo of something similar:

In any case, I wish for you to be able to visit with your mom and enjoy her dishes. :)

Dear Ronit, We tried the Lemon Sole with cherry tomatoes tonight, it was absolutely delicious!!!! We loved the sole. The tomatoes, capers and anchovies really added to the flavors of the sole; we loved it, and best of all, it was so easy to make. Thank you so much!